2003 Chevrolet S-10 LS ZR2 4.6 vortec

Summary:

The mike alstot of trucks with minor accessory set-backs

Faults:

Replaced the 3rd door handle twice, crappy plastic design, metal clasps would have never failed.

Electric side mirrors have 50% failed.

Loud cab noise when driving on highway.

Power steering line leak.

Coolant line leak.

General Comments:

I agree with others that the engine lacks horsepower, mainly off the line.

Seats are too low!

Great look and stance.

Handles very well off road.

The ac cranks out frost-bite.

Don't like the leaf springs under the rear axle.

However, I cranked the front torsion bars to lift the front end about 1.5 inches, now rides a little stiffer, but worth it.

I love that fat aluminum drive shaft!

The 4 low really pulls!

I plan on trading this truck in at about 90k for a full size ford or dodge, something without the independent front suspension.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd September, 2006

2003 Chevrolet S-10 LS 4.3 vortec V6

Summary:

I would never buy this truck again

Faults:

Ball joints replaced a week after I purchased it.

Ball joints replaced 6 months after I bought it.

Ball joints replaced 15 months after I bought it.

Ball joints to be replaced Thursday, February 9--30 months after purchased.

Muffler replaced 9 months after purchase.

Rear shocks replaced 11 months after purchase.

Rubber around windshield replaced 2 months after I bought it.

Handle on third door broke and had to be replaced at 24,000 miles.

Starter had to be replaced at 28,400 miles.

Oil gauge was bouncing from one side to the other at all times. Chevy checked it out and said it was OK. Doesn't do it now though.

General Comments:

I love the way my truck looks whenever it is cleaned up.

However, I have had so many problems with my truck, it is hard to give a positive review about its performance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 2006

31st Jul 2008, 19:23

I think whoever had it before beat it up. Ball joints that much? You either drive too fast when you're wheelin' or the spindle hole where the ball joint presses in has been damaged or hollered out.

2nd Jan 2009, 17:39

I think you need to learn how to take care of your truck, remember it's not a FULL SIZE off road truck.

30th May 2009, 10:27

I had the same problem with lower ball joints. After two sets of GM lower ball joints failed, I had premium Moog joints installed, no more problem. GM uses cheap original equipment. I had three rear door latches replaced, they're flimsy. I switched from Ford to GM, big mistake, I'm going back to Ford or maybe even Toyota or Nissan.

2003 Chevrolet S-10 2.2L

Summary:

Good Truck, with room for improvements

Faults:

Water and in the gas tank and fuel lines. The dealer flushed the fuel system.

The horn button would stick on whenever a left turn was being made. The dealer replaced the horn switch assembly.

Both universal joints went bad at 37000mi. It was off warranty so the cost was just over $200.00 for parts and labor.

General Comments:

The manual five speed is fun to drive, and is a must in a S-10 with a 4 cylinder. I replaced clutch-fan with an electric fan ($30), switched to a cold air intake ($260), added a throttle body spacer ($96), throttle position enhancer chip ($90), fuel enriching chip ($25), 2.25" high-flow chambered muffler ($89), and a switch that cut off the A/C pump at 75% and greater throttle ($8). It now has average acceleration for $509.

The truck handled fairly well in stock form. However, the rear springs were weak by "car" standards. The best upgrade was adding half-leaf helper springs ($20) to the rear. Along with lowering the front and rear 2" ($300), the truck handles much better and takes 600lbs in the box without squatting.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th October, 2005

2003 Chevrolet S-10 LS 2.2 L4

Summary:

The S10 is an adequate workhorse for those who desire fuel economy with function.

Faults:

Squeaky door hinges.

Transmission has difficulty shifting into fourth on cold mornings.

Some interior rattles.

Continual loss of air in front driver's side tire.

General Comments:

This truck is far superior than what I have come to expect from GM.

The stereo system is high quality, although bass on Cd's rattles the speakers at high volumes.

I scraped a bumper in a parking lot at 5mph, and left a massive dent in the passenger side. This does not breed confidence in the vehicle's ability to take a hit at 30mph or higher.

The pickup is horrible with the 4 cylinder and the auto transmission. I have to kick up the revs to the red line while merging in order to avoid collisions. It is more than adequate around town. Otherwise, it is solid on the highway while cruising, and I return 25mpg regularly in mixed driving with no load and A/C running. Regardless, the engine is much improved with regards to refinement over previous incarnations.

Handling is adequate, with excessive body lean. Ride is enough to jar one's teeth, even with sport suspension and 2WD.

Solid rear axle jumps on smallest of bumps. I've never lost control of it, but it has definitely had its moments.

Braking is subpar, but the ABS has gotten me out of some sticky situations.

No major problems to speak of, but I know GM well enough to expect them in the not too distant future.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd August, 2005